Search
» »Historical Monuments of West Bengal

Historical Monuments of West Bengal

By Akshatha Vinayak

Bengal was one of the main centres for British during the colonial rule in India. West Bengal has witnessed many important events in the course of history.

From the local kings to Mughal rule and British rule, Bengal has seen it all. There are many historical monuments in West Bengal built during those times.

Well protected under Archeological Survey of India, these monuments tell the tales of the past; portraying the period of rich art and architecture.

Take a look at some of the historical monuments of West Bengal!

Rasmancha, Bishnupur

Rasmancha, Bishnupur

The Rasmancha is a unique brick temple in Bishnupur. It is a historic site built by Malla King Vir Hambir in 1600 CE.

The specialitity of Rasmancha is its pyramidal structure and the terracotta used in the carvings of the temple.

During the time of Vishnav Ras festival, all the Radha Krishna Idols were brought to exhibit in Rasmancha. However, the annual festival was stopped after 1932.

Now, only this unique brick architecture remains depicting the past. Bishnupur being the popular tourist place, is well connected to other places in Bengal.

Rasmancha is 27 km from Bishnupur and can be reached via NH60 or Bankur Joykrishnapur road.

Photo Courtesy: Jonoikobangali

Cooch Behar Palace or Victor Jubilee Palace

Cooch Behar Palace or Victor Jubilee Palace

Cooch Behar Palace was built during the reign of Maharaja Nripendra Narayan. It is designed in the model of Buckingham Palace, London. Cooch Behar Palace built in the Classical Western Style is a major tourist attraction in West Bengal.

The palace is situated in Cooch behar city. The city with its well connected rail route to other parts of Bengal, provides a good scope for tourism.

Photo Courtesy: Amartyabag

Radhabinode Temple, Birbhum

Radhabinode Temple, Birbhum

Radhabinode temple is known as navaratna temple with nine turrets. The temple is located in Jaydev Kenduli, a village in Bolpur subdivision.

Jaydev Kenduli is believed to be the birthplace of the poet Jaydev. This destination in West Bengal is turned into a religious place with many temples and ashrams.

Radhabinode Temple has terracotta carvings and an ancient architecture. This village along with the temple and a fair conducted during Makar Sankranti is a popular spot.

Photo Courtesy: Chandan Guha

Clive's House, Dum Dum

Clive's House, Dum Dum

Clive's House is the oldest existing house in Dum Dum, Kolkata. Clive was a British officer who helped in establishing East India Company in India.

Dum Dum is a town in Barrackpore and 15 km from the Kolkata city centre. It is also one of the main entry points to the city of Kolkata from North West India.

Now the house is not in a good condition because of its age. Even then, Clive's house stands elegantly amidst the new buildings. In recent times, people also believe that it is a haunted house.

The excavation conducted by ASI, discovered the remnants of civilization before Christ. Hence, the Clive House is a protected monument in West Bengal.

Photo Courtesy: Deepon

Jor Bangla Temple, Bishnupur

Jor Bangla Temple, Bishnupur

Jor Bangla temple is another historical monument in Bishnupur, West Bengal. The temple is also called as Char-chala or yorubangala has a style of temple architecture which originated in Bengal.

The architectural style resembles the traditional village huts in the region. However, the information about its date are unknown.

Photo Courtesy: Jonoikobangali

Minar, Pandua

Minar, Pandua

Pandua (Pandooah) is a town in Hooghly district, West Bengal. It is 86 km from Kolkata and there are trains and buses travelling from the city to Pandua.

The Minar was built by Shah Sufiuddin in 1340 AD as a symbol of victory. Bari Masjid and the Minar are a historical monuments in the region.

Photo Courtesy: Piyal kundu

Lukochuri Gateway ( Darwaza), Malda

Lukochuri Gateway ( Darwaza), Malda

Lukochuri Gateway was built during the time of Emperor Shahjahan. This gateway is built in Mughal architecture. It is situated near the citadel of Gaur-Lakhnauti, a Mughal building.

The gateway remains as a representation of Mughal rule and Mughalization in India.

Photo Courtesy: Rupu

Hazarduari Palace, Murshidabad

Hazarduari Palace, Murshidabad

The Hazarduari Palace is located in the Kila Nizamat site ( the place of the old fort). It was built in 19th C under the supervision of Duncan Macleod.

The name Hazarduari means " a palace with thousand doors". The palace is now under Archeological survey of India as a preserved monument of West Bengal.

Photo Courtesy: Czarhind

Baraduari, Gour

Baraduari, Gour

Baro Shona Masjid ( The Great Golden Mosque) is situated in Gour, Malda. It is also called Baraduari indicating to the twelve doors. Interestingly, the mosque has only 11 doors.

This is the largest monument in Gour and is a beautiful structure.

Photo Courtesy: Ovjtphoto

Temple of Ichai Ghosh, Gourangpur

Temple of Ichai Ghosh, Gourangpur

The temple of Ichai ghosh is located in Burdwan. Though it is named as a temple, Ichai Ghosh does not have any deity inside.

This monument is believed to be built by Ichai Ghosh, a local warrior during 7th C AD. But there is not much information regarding the history of the monument. However, it is mentioned in a Bengal historical epic 'Dharmamangal'.

Photo Courtesy: Gautamsrijan

Read more about: west bengal bishnupur kolkata
Get Instant News Updates
Enable
x
Notification Settings X
Time Settings
Done
Clear Notification X
Do you want to clear all the notifications from your inbox?
Settings X